Bodies of two Israeli-American hostages recovered from Gaza in Israeli military operation

Israel has recovered the bodies of two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli military, in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency, retrieved the remains from Khan Younis during a special overnight operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences, calling it "a most terrible loss."

The couple, residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, were ambushed while on a morning walk. Weinstein, 70, a teacher born in New York, and Haggai, 72, a retired chef and jazz musician, were both dual Israeli-American citizens. Weinstein also held Canadian citizenship. The kibbutz confirmed their deaths in December 2023.

Their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, confirmed the recovery on social media, expressing gratitude to the Israeli and U.S. authorities and calling for the release of the remaining hostages. The couple is survived by four children and seven grandchildren.